Manchester United

Manchester United have claimed a vital 3-2 win in the Champions League clash against AC Milan at the San Siro.

The victory gives them the advantage ahead of the second leg of the last sixteen game next month.

Milan largely outplayed the visitors in the first half, but failed to build on Cristiano Ronaldinho's third-minute opener. Paul Scholes scored a lucky equaliser before Wayne Rooney produced two headers in the second half to secure victory.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his second appeal against match bans following charges of violent conduct.

Defender Ferdinand had received a three-match suspension following an incident where he appeared to swing an elbow in the face of Hull City Striker Craig Fagan in their clash at Old Trafford.

The charge was initially denied by 31-year-old Ferdinand and he was given an additional one-game ban for a "frivolous appeal". 

Manchester police and the Football Association have urged fans of both Manchester teams to show restraint ahead of tonight's final leg in the Carling Cup semi-final.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have been told to remind their players of their social responsibilities as the two clubs face each other at Old Trafford. The first leg was blighted by incidents on and off the pitch, with the arrest of 18 Manchester United and Manchester City supporters.

Chelsea and Liverpool both closed the gap on Manchester United after their wins last night.

But Man Utd still remain four points ahead of their rivals and have two games in hand.

The first of these games is at Newcastle tonight where the leaders will start as favourites. Newcastle have only won four out of 13 games at St. James’ Park this season.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Chelsea counterpart Guus Hiddink have both vowed to keep pushing Manchester United for the Premier League title.